IPPF ESEAOR’s Post

UNESCAP: Cover Story Demographic change in Asia and the Pacific. World Population Day on 11 July provided an excellent opportunity to take stock and look ahead regarding population issues that are affecting all aspects of society in the region. Today, the region has a population of about 4.8 billion people which represents about 58 per cent of the world’s total. The total fertility rate has plunged to 1.8 births per woman, life expectancy at birth has increased to 74.7 years, and the proportion of older persons stands at 10.5 per cent of the total population. This has significant implications for the labour force, economy, health care and sustainability of social protection systems.

We sometimes lament about the limited availability of Asia-centric data that could better inform business decisions if those data were available. Here’s your opportunity to contribute to a data-driven approach to better understand the experiences of Asian women navigating menstrual, perimenopausal, and menopausal health led by Christina Anabelle Ang (She/her) and her team!

The World Health Organization (WHO) gathered for its 77th World Health Assembly in May this year to tackle global health priorities and security under the theme “All for Health, Health for All.” However, despite its critical role in addressing global health issues, the crucial topic of menstrual health was overlooked. This article written by members of Menstrual Rights Global, a collective of activists, health workers and researchers working to promote menstrual health worldwide, says that menstrual health remains a deeply neglected issue and calls for a commitment from member states to drive menstrual health policies forward, such as abolishing the pink tax and making period products free. "An inclusionary global health sector must consider, respond to, and make accommodations for the 1.8 billion women, adolescent girls, and people who are menstruating each month," they say. "It should recognise the specific health concerns and needs of people who menstruate. It must mainstream these across health and social care systems globally. We urge global health leaders to listen to the voices of those with lived experience, technical expertise, and decades of fighting for menstrual health and justice." Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/ehD35TjG #MenstrualHealth #PeriodMatters #PinkTax #PublicHealth

Needs to be on the global agenda 🙏🏽

📈The older segment of the population is experiencing significant growth worldwide, especially in developed regions, due to increased life expectancy and declining fertility rates. Also, advances in healthcare, nutrition and living standards enable people to live longer. This is a positive yet challenging development, in terms of providing adequate care and resources for the elderly. ⏰Asia and Europe are home to some of the world’s oldest populations, those ages 65 and above. At the top is Japan at 28.2%, followed by Italy at 22.8%. Finland, Portugal, and Greece round out the top five at just under 22%. 👵 👴 As societies adjust to this new age demographic, there's a push for encouraging connections across generations and helping seniors stay active and independent, with new technologies and services emerging to meet their diverse needs and enhancing their quality of life. #OlderPeople #TheOldest #NewAgeDemographic #SocialCare #LifeExpectancy #WorldPopulation #GoldenAge #WorldVisualiz ed #VisualData #VisualInsights Source: PRB Organisation

For the first time in history, we’re having open conversations about menstruation and global access to feminine hygiene products. Period equity will only be achieved through innovation. “… It is all about making sure that everyone who has periods can access necessary products..." Avni Ahuja, Period Pro from Emory University School of Medicine, is doing some great work. https://lnkd.in/eBPQdTsK #periodequity #MHDay2024 #femininehygiene

📢 Excited to share my latest article published on Cureus, titled "A Qualitative Analysis of Urbanization and Menstrual Health Among Young Women"! In this study, we delved into the complex interplay between urbanization and menstrual health among young women. Our findings shed light on the multifaceted factors shaping women's menstrual experiences in urban settings. 🔍 Key Conclusion: The dynamics of women's menstrual experiences are significantly influenced by urbanization, increased exposure to social media, evolving lifestyles, and government initiatives such as the distribution of menstrual products in schools and the enhancement of WASH facilities in government institutions. While there have been positive shifts, including reduced restrictions on menstruating individuals and improved access to affordable hygiene products, our research highlights notable gaps that demand attention: 1️⃣ Basic knowledge about menstruation and hygienic practices. 2️⃣ Effective interpersonal communication with schoolteachers or community health care workers. 3️⃣ Compliance with government programs promoting weekly iron-folic acid supplementation and biannual Albendazole intake. Addressing these gaps is crucial for ensuring the holistic well-being of young women in urban areas. Together, we can work towards comprehensive solutions that empower women and promote menstrual health equity. Special gratitude to Mamta Health Institute for Mother and Child for the scholarship towards the project that provided me a platform to start my journey on community research. Read the full article here (https://surl.li/rsxdy) [10.7759/cureus.56390] and join the conversation on advancing menstrual health awareness and accessibility.

Countries that invest in improving menstrual health and hygiene stand to reap significant benefits in terms of improvements in girls’ education, health, human capital, and ultimately economic development. Not just for women and girls, but for everyone. Read about how GWSP is helping to incorporate menstrual health and hygiene into project design in 👇 In Ethiopia: https://lnkd.in/d5dJ842Q #GWSP; Zubedah Robinson; #AccelerateEquality https://lnkd.in/dXVx47xu

Yesterday, May 28th, marked World Menstrual Hygiene Day, a significant occasion dedicated to raising awareness and breaking the silence around menstrual health and hygiene. Menstrual hygiene is more than just access to sanitary goods; it is also about dignity, education, and equity. Millions of people worldwide lack the access and information they need to manage their periods safely and comfortably, which leads to major health problems, social stigma, and missed opportunities. Menstrual hygiene management is critical to gender equality and women's health. Inadequate access to sanitary products and proper sanitation facilities can lead to infections and other health issues. Furthermore, the stigma associated with menstruation sometimes leads to absenteeism at school and employment, restricting educational and economic opportunities. Breaking down these barriers is critical for meeting global health goals and empowering women and girls everywhere. Education is critical in improving people's attitudes and practices about menstruation health. Comprehensive menstrual education should be introduced into school curricula to normalise menstruation and provide young people with the knowledge they need to manage their periods successfully. Community outreach and public awareness efforts can help to remove existing myths and taboos. Governments, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and the commercial sector must work together to provide inexpensive and sustainable menstrual products. Innovative solutions, such as reusable pads and menstrual cups, can provide cost-effective and environmentally beneficial alternatives. Access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities is also essential for successful menstrual hygiene management. It's time to break the silence, challenge the taboos, and work towards a world where menstrual health is a priority. Let's join hands to end period poverty and ensure that menstruation is never a barrier to achieving one's full potential. Together, we can create a future where everyone can manage their menstrual health with dignity and pride. Praise Reign #MenstrualHygiene #PublicHealth #EndPeriodPoverty #MHDay2024

MEA Consultant Kirsten Cutajar Miller presented a detailed assessment of the demographic picture of today’s Malta, providing the ideal backdrop for the discussion to follow. Key findings show that the proportion of 60+ people in Malta has now reached 24.3%, while the median age of the population has increased from 36.7 in 2001 to around 40 last year. In parallel, the fertility rate has dropped significantly, to 1.08 in 2022. National Round Table Forum: Adapting Our Labour Market to an Ageing Population #SMEWeekMalta #FutureOfWork #WorkforceTransformation